Verdict

A gripping start to Gold Cup day with SOLDATINO mugging the gallant Barizan on the run-in to give Nicky Henderson and Barry Geraghty another victory in the race. Barizan had been kept under wraps all through the winter as he does not operate on soft ground and trainer Evan Williams had him ready to run for his life. He set off at a real lick under Tom O'Brien and kept on in relentless fashion with virtually everything off the bit in behind him coming down the hill. He was still clear turning in but the stride began to shorten at the last and a blunder there gave the winner his chance after he had begun to close in menacing fashion. The grey was the one finishing with purpose and he took over halfway up the run-in to score decisively. Full credit to the runner-up who lost nothing in defeat while Alaivan ran a fine race in third but could never land a telling blow in terms of winning. Carlito Brigante will be suited by a return to a lesser test of stamina while Olofi was a bit disappointing back in the pack.